Regeneration (theology)

From Textus Receptus

Regeneration, while sometimes perceived to be a step in the ordo salutis ('order of salvation'), is generally understood in Christian theology to be the objective work of God in a believer's life. Spiritually, it means that God brings a person to new life (that they are "born again") from a previous state of separation from God and subjection to the decay of death (Ephesians 2:5). Thus, in Lutheran and Roman Catholic theology, it generally means that which takes place during baptism. In Calvinism (Reformed theology) and Arminian theology, baptism is recognized as an outward sign of an inward reality which is to follow regeneration as a sign of obedience to the New Testament; as such, the Methodist Churches teach that regeneration occurs during the new birth.

While the exact Greek noun for 'rebirth' or 'regeneration' (παλιγγενεσία|palingenesia) appears just twice in the New Testament (Matthew 19:28 and Titus 3:5), regeneration in Christianity is held to represent a wider theme of re-creation and spiritual rebirth, including the concept of "being born again" (John 3:3–8 and 1 Peter 1:3; regeneration is also called the "second birth"). In some schools of Christian thought, it is held that when a person expresses belief in Jesus Christ for their salvation, they are then born of God, "begotten of him" (1 John 5:1). As a result of becoming part of God's family, the person becomes a different and new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Eastern's Revised Bible Dictionary

Regeneration

Only found in #Mt 19:28 Ti 3:5 This word literally means a "new birth." The Greek word so rendered (palingenesia) is used by classical writers with reference to the changes produced by the return of spring.

1. In #Mt 19:28 the word is equivalent to the "restitution of all things" #Ac 3:21

2. In #Ti 3:5 it denotes that change of heart elsewhere spoken of

a. as a passing from death to life #1Jo 3:14

b. becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus #2Co 5:17 c. being born again #Joh 3:5

d. a renewal of the mind #Ro 12:2

e. a resurrection from the dead #Eph 2:6

f. a being quickened #Eph 2:1,5

g. This change is ascribed to the Holy Spirit. It originates not with man but with God #Joh 1:12,13 1Jo 2:29 5:1,4

h. As to the nature of the change, it consists in the implanting of a new principle or disposition in the soul; the impartation of spiritual life to those who are by nature "dead in trespasses and sins."

i. The necessity of such a change is emphatically affirmed in Scripture #Joh 3:3 Ro 7:18 8:7-9 1Co 2:14 Eph 2:1 4:21-24

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